Patna University PhD in Forensic Psychology and Full Programme Research Admission 2024-25, Event, Faculties, Direct Admission

PhD in Forensic Psychology About

Forensic psychology is the intersection between psychology and the legal system. It involves the application of psychology to the criminal justice system, including the assessment and treatment of individuals who have come into contact with the law. Forensic psychologists work in a variety of settings, including prisons, courtrooms, law enforcement agencies, and private practice.

Criminal behavior: Forensic psychologists study the causes and motivations behind criminal behavior, including the biological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to criminality.

Eyewitness testimony: Forensic psychologists examine the reliability of eyewitness testimony and explore factors that can influence memory, such as stress, suggestion, and the passage of time.

Mental health and the legal system: Forensic psychologists assess and treat individuals who have mental health issues and have come into contact with the legal system. They also evaluate defendants for competency to stand trial, assess their risk of reoffending, and provide expert testimony in court.

Juvenile justice: Forensic psychologists work with young offenders and examine factors that contribute to delinquency, such as family dynamics, peer pressure, and substance abuse.

Victimology: Forensic psychologists study the psychological impact of crime on victims and examine the factors that influence victimization, such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status.

Police psychology: Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement agencies to improve officer selection, training, and mental health. They also examine factors that contribute to police use of force and misconduct.

Criminal profiling: Forensic psychologists develop profiles of offenders based on their behavior, personality, and other characteristics. They also assist law enforcement agencies in investigations by providing insights into the mindset and motivations of criminals.

Courtroom dynamics: Forensic psychologists examine how legal proceedings can affect the behavior and decision-making of jurors, judges, and attorneys. They also provide consultation and training to legal professionals to improve the effectiveness of the legal system.

PhD in Forensic Psychology Highlights

PhD in Forensic Psychology Entrance Exam

• CSIR UGC NET
• UGC NET
• IIT JAM
• GPAT
• VITMEE

PhD in Forensic Psychology Admission Process

Admission to the PhD Forensic Psychology colleges is strictly on the basis of the entrance and the personal interview which follows the entrance test. 

The admission process can be either online or offline. 

The candidates will have to submit their application form and pay the registration fee. 

After that, they will be intimated about the date of the entrance test. 

Once the results of the entrance test are declared, the candidates can take admission to the college.

They will have to visit the college along with the required documents and complete the admission formalities.

The admission process mostly begins in the month of August. However, this year, because of the pandemic, all dates have been deferred. 

Here we have mentioned the different steps of the admission process:

Step 1: Fill out the application form: The students who wish to fill up the application form online will have to navigate to the official website of the university and complete the application form. This process can also be carried out offline by visiting the college campus.

Step 2: Sit for the entrance test: Once the application forms have been submitted, the students will have to appear for the admission test. The syllabus for the test is prescribed by the university itself. The duration of the entrance test is around 2 to 3 hours.

Step 3: Appear for an interview: The entrance test is followed by a round of personal interviews where students are asked different types of questions. The performance of the candidate in the entrance test will determine whether he/she will be able to make it to the final admission list.

Step 4: Admission to the college: Once the entrance test and the personal interview are complete, the college will prepare a final list mentioning the candidates who will be able to be admission to the college. The selected candidates will then be able to take admission to that particular college.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Forensic Psychology

To be eligible for a program in forensic psychology, applicants must typically hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some programs may also require a minimum GPA and specific coursework in psychology or related fields. In addition, many programs require applicants to have completed certain prerequisites, such as statistics or research methods.

Duration of PhD in Forensic Psychology

PhD in Forensic Psychology Selection Criteria

Admissions committees typically evaluate applicants based on a range of factors, including academic achievement, relevant experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

Some programs may also require an interview as part of the selection process.

PhD in Forensic Psychology How to Apply

1. To apply for a program in forensic psychology, applicants typically need to complete an online application and submit official transcripts from all previous institutions attended.

2. In addition, applicants may need to submit test scores, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV.

3. Some programs may also require an application fee.

4. It is important to carefully review the application requirements for each program and to submit all materials by the deadline.

PhD in Forensic Psychology Application Form

 The application form for a program in forensic psychology can typically be found on the website of the institution offering the program.

Applicants will need to create an account, fill out the required information, and upload the necessary documents.

PhD in Forensic Psychology Application Process

The application process typically involves submitting an online application and supporting materials, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Some programs may also require an interview.

Applicants should carefully review the application requirements for each program and ensure that all materials are submitted by the deadline.

PhD in Forensic Psychology Fee Structure

Syllabus of PhD in Forensic Psychology

• Foundations of Forensic Psychology
• Advanced Psychopathology
• Research Methods in Forensic Psychology
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology
• Criminal Behavior and Profiling
• Assessment in Forensic Psychology
• Seminar in Forensic Psychology
• Forensic Assessment Techniques
• Treatment Interventions in Forensic Psychology
• Dissertation Proposal Seminar
• Advanced Seminar in Forensic Psychology
• Special Topics in Forensic Psychology
• Practicum in Forensic Psychology
• Advanced Research Methods
• Dissertation Research

Job Scope After PhD in Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychologist: Forensic psychologists often work in diverse settings, including prisons, mental health institutions, courtrooms, and law enforcement agencies. Their responsibilities may include conducting psychological evaluations of individuals involved in legal proceedings, such as defendants, witnesses, or victims. They also provide expert testimony in court, assessing competency, mental state, and risk factors relevant to legal cases.

Correctional Psychologist: Correctional psychologists work within the criminal justice system, providing psychological services to incarcerated individuals. They assess and treat mental health issues, conduct risk assessments, and develop intervention programs to address behavioral and psychological problems among inmates. They may also work on parole boards or in probation services.

Consultant or Expert Witness: Forensic psychologists may work as independent consultants or expert witnesses, providing evaluations, assessments, and testimony in legal cases. They may specialize in areas such as child custody evaluations, competency evaluations, or assessing the impact of trauma on individuals involved in legal proceedings.

Law Enforcement Consultant: Some forensic psychologists work with law enforcement agencies to develop and implement strategies for interviewing suspects and witnesses, assessing psychological factors in criminal behavior, and profiling offenders. They may also assist in crisis negotiation or hostage situations.

Victim Advocate: Forensic psychologists may work as advocates for victims of crime, providing support, counseling, and assistance navigating the legal system. They may specialize in areas such as trauma-focused therapy, crisis intervention, or victim impact assessments.

Researcher: Many individuals with a PhD in Forensic Psychology pursue research careers, exploring topics such as criminal behavior, eyewitness testimony, jury decision-making, or the effectiveness of intervention programs within the legal system. They may work in academia, government agencies, or research institutes.

Policy Analyst: Forensic psychologists may work as policy analysts, evaluating the impact of laws and policies on mental health, crime prevention, and rehabilitation efforts. They may advise lawmakers, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations on evidence-based practices and strategies for improving the criminal justice system.

Academician: Some individuals with a PhD in Forensic Psychology choose to work in academia, teaching courses, conducting research, and mentoring students in areas related to forensic psychology. They may hold faculty positions in psychology departments or forensic science programs at universities or colleges.

Career Opportunities After PhD in Forensic Psychology

1. Clinical Forensic Psychologist
2. Academic Researcher/Professor
3. Consultant
4. Expert Witness
5. Correctional Psychologist
6. Victim Advocate
7. Policy Analyst
8. Forensic Assessment Specialist
9. Program Evaluator
10. Forensic Researcher

PhD in Forensic Psychology Top Colleges

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

University of California-Irvine

Sam Houston State University

Admission Process for PhD in Forensic Psychology

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by the University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by the University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Finally, after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis, 3 copies of the bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by the University, Degree Awarded

Document Required for PhD in Forensic Psychology

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at the University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.